The headline "Insurer Payouts for Car Crashes Get Less Likely" (Business & Finance, Aug. 10) doesn't reflect the full facts. The Wall Street Journal found that auto insurers are paying physical damage claims at essentially the same rate today as they were a decade ago.

The claims for which the Journal identified an upward trend are auto liability and medical claims that are closed without payment. These claims are a magnet for billboard lawyers and fraudsters seeking to profit off the system, which is why these claims are investigated thoroughly.

It is important that insurers don't pay meritless claims to control the cost of coverage for all drivers. Claims closed without payment don't mean insurers are wrongfully denying claims. Auto liability and medical claims may be closed without payment for a variety of reasons, including damage that falls below the deductible or an accident investigation that reveals those involved aren't injured.